GLENDALE, Ariz. — A 14-year-old girl was nearly kidnapped in Glendale last Wednesday by a suspect displaying "predatory behavior," police said.
Glendale police said during a news conference March 13 the high school student was walking home from school when she was approached by a vehicle. A man, 28-year-old Timothy Guan, came out of the vehicle and began following the victim.
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"She sensed what was going on, she felt a great deal of danger," Glendale Police Officer Moroni Mendez said during the news conference.
The victim ran into a nearby neighborhood and got help, which is exactly what she should have done, police said.
"I'm so grateful that my daughter did such a great job running from this individual," Valerie Fraijo, the girl's mother, said during the news conference.
Fraijo said she works and attends school, and when her daughter called, she was in class.
Guan, who was a stranger to the victim, was arrested at his home. He is facing charges of kidnapping, aggravated assault and unlawful imprisonment.
When asked why Guan ran after the girl, the suspect allegedly claimed he was "checking up on her."
Court records show investigators described Guan as exhibiting "predatory behavior" targeting small children and teens. Public documents detail previously reported instances of Guan allegedly assaulting juveniles.
Mendez said the police are investigating all avenues and said the woman driving the car, who court documents identify as the suspect's mother, is also being investigated.
Fraijo said she talks about safety and awareness with her six children, and her family feels blessed that her daughter came home safe.
"Imagine kids who don't make it, imagine moms who don't get to see their kids," Fraijo said. "I'm blessed, my family feels blessed, we all do."
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